Castle in the Sky
A steampunk-infused adventure that soars with breathless wonder, exploring the delicate balance between technological ambition and the enduring power of nature.
Castle in the Sky
Castle in the Sky

天空の城ラピュタ

"One day, a girl came down from the sky…"

02 August 1986 Japan 125 min ⭐ 8.0 (4,451)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Cast: Keiko Yokozawa, Mayumi Tanaka, Minori Terada, Kotoe Hatsui, Fujio Tokita
Animation Family Fantasy Action Adventure
Nature vs. Technology The Perils of Greed and Power The Innocence and Resilience of Youth The Allure of Flight and Adventure
Budget: $3,000,000
Box Office: $5,228,752

Castle in the Sky - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Sheeta (Lusheeta Toel Ul Laputa)

Keiko Yokozawa

Archetype: The Reluctant Heroine/Princess in Exile
Key Trait: Compassionate and Resilient

Motivation

Initially motivated by survival, Sheeta's primary motivation becomes the protection of Laputa and the world from the destructive power that Muska seeks to unleash. She feels a deep sense of responsibility tied to her ancestry.

Character Arc

Sheeta begins her journey as a frightened and seemingly helpless girl on the run. As she learns about her true heritage as the heir to the throne of Laputa, she grows in courage and determination. She ultimately makes the difficult choice to use the Spell of Destruction to prevent Laputa's power from being misused, demonstrating her transformation into a strong and responsible young woman who prioritizes the well-being of the world over her own royal legacy.

Pazu

Mayumi Tanaka

Archetype: The Idealistic Hero/Adventurer
Key Trait: Brave and Tenacious

Motivation

Pazu is driven by a desire to validate his father's legacy and by his unwavering loyalty and affection for Sheeta. His motivation is pure, rooted in a love for adventure and a strong sense of justice.

Character Arc

Pazu is a hardworking and optimistic orphan who dreams of proving the existence of Laputa, a quest started by his late father. His chance encounter with Sheeta propels him into the adventure he always longed for. Throughout their journey, Pazu's courage and resourcefulness are constantly tested. He evolves from a dreamer into a brave protector and a loyal friend, willing to risk everything to help Sheeta and safeguard Laputa.

Colonel Muska (Romuska Palo Ul Laputa)

Minori Terada

Archetype: The Power-Hungry Villain
Key Trait: Cunning and Ruthless

Motivation

Muska is driven by a lust for power and a desire to resurrect the lost glory of Laputa, which he intends to rule. He believes it is his birthright to control the castle's advanced technology and wield its power over the world.

Character Arc

Muska is a government agent who is also a descendant of a branch of the Laputian royal family. He presents himself as a sophisticated and intelligent individual, but as the story progresses, his ruthless and power-mad nature is revealed. His arc is a descent into megalomania, culminating in his attempt to control Laputa's ultimate weapon. He remains an unredeemable villain throughout the film.

Dola

Kotoe Hatsui

Archetype: The Gruff but Benign Antagonist/Mentor
Key Trait: Feisty and Maternal

Motivation

Initially, Dola is motivated by the prospect of riches and treasure believed to be on Laputa. As the story unfolds, her motivations shift to helping and protecting Pazu and Sheeta from the greater threat posed by Muska and the military.

Character Arc

Dola is the matriarch of a family of air pirates and is initially presented as an antagonist, chasing Sheeta for her crystal. However, she proves to be more complex than a simple villain. She develops a soft spot for Pazu and Sheeta, and her pragmatic and resourceful nature eventually leads her to become their ally. She evolves from a greedy pirate into a maternal and protective figure, showcasing a surprising depth of character.

Cast

Keiko Yokozawa as Sheeta (voice)
Mayumi Tanaka as Pazu (voice)
Minori Terada as Muska (voice)
Kotoe Hatsui as Dola (voice)
Fujio Tokita as Uncle Pomme (voice)
Ichiro Nagai as Shogun Mouro (voice)
Hiroshi Ito as Oyakata (voice)
Machiko Washio as Okami (voice)
Takuzō Kamiyama as Charles (voice)
Yoshito Yasuhara as Louis (voice)
Sukekiyo Kameyama as Henri (voice)
Eken Mine as Underling (voice)
TARAKO as Madge (voice)
Masashi Sugawara as Underling (voice)
Reiko Suzuki as Sheeta's Grandmother (voice)